So we had Frawley and Bartram out. And we had Garland playing up forward. And Grimes was in the midfield.

Yet it was our best defensive effort of the year. What does this say about our standard backline that we have played for quite a while?? Was it in need of an overhaul? Have we all over-rated our back half?

It certainly looked far more creative with Watts down there. And Tommy Mac has really stepped up in the past few weeks. While the turnovers in the first quarter were deplorable their efficiency increased markedly after that.

Very interesting development I reckon.

Thoughts?

It helps when our midfield isn't getting smashed in the middle, and we can control the tempo of the ball movement.

Yes Essendon had more inside 50's, but the ball was coming in under great pressure, which really helps the defenders.

What a difference winning the clearances makes!

I remember watching the first quarter or two of the West Coast and I was amazed at how many times Frawley and others were closing down opponents and getting fists in when they had no right to. I thought these blokes are doing a great job down there, but the ball just kept coming back in repeatedly and with no pressure on the guy delivering it and eventually they were worn down and well beaten. More than ever, defence starts as soon as we lose the ball, and involves all 18 players on the park. The back 6 will always look good when the midfield is shutting down supply.

In saying all that, it is nice having Watts delivering the ball out of the defence, as it inspires me with a lot of confidence. Same can't be said for McDonald. He is doing a great job on his opponent, but he looks incredibly shaky with the ball in his hands.

So we had Frawley and Bartram out. And we had Garland playing up forward. And Grimes was in the midfield.

Yet it was our best defensive effort of the year. What does this say about our standard backline that we have played for quite a while?? Was it in need of an overhaul? Have we all over-rated our back half?

It certainly looked far more creative with Watts down there. And Tommy Mac has really stepped up in the past few weeks. While the turnovers in the first quarter were deplorable their efficiency increased markedly after that.

Very interesting development I reckon.

Thoughts?

Yes, it was our best defensive effort of the year but by our midfielders and our forwards aswell. They rarely let the Bombers waltz in and have a great deal of time setting up that kick into the forward line.

I was going to start a similar thread about a backline with Sellar, Nicholson, McDonald and MacDonald standing up very well but I think that is more to do with them having to do less than the backline usually does.

Great to see Grimes out of the easiest position on the ground - HBF. Let's continue to let Nicholson do that.

I don't know how long term Garland is down forward - it certainly is another setback for Dunn and Petterd (and to a lesser extent Bate) when Garland was chosen for that role ahead of them.

Yes, it was our best defensive effort of the year but by our midfielders and our forwards aswell. They rarely let the Bombers waltz in and have a great deal of time setting up that kick into the forward line.

I was going to start a similar thread about a backline with Sellar, Nicholson, McDonald and MacDonald standing up very well but I think that is more to do with them having to do less than the backline usually does.

Great to see Grimes out of the easiest position on the ground - HBF. Let's continue to let Nicholson do that.

I don't know how long term Garland is down forward - it certainly is another setback for Dunn and Petterd (and to a lesser extent Bate) when Garland was chosen for that role ahead of them.

And he did it better than them. 11 marks including 4 inside 50. Plus ran down deep into the back 50 a number of times to create opportunities. Now, if only we can fix his kicking for goal...

I've torn my hair out for years at our kick ins. Just made no sense having marking options like Frawley and Garland take the kick ins, or having players kick it into the pocket to Bartram or Grimes. The opposition goes nowhere near these players for a reason.

I love the ball in Watts' hands as he is one of few players on our list capable of a well weighted 40-50m pass, as well as a low hard 30 meter bullet. Nicholson and McDonald take the game on and play on when they get it, and before you know it we're at centre wing.

I know we love Bartram's guts and determination but I think Nicholson will go past him very soon.

Chuck Jurrah down there and we will be unbeatable.

The conditions on Saturday suited defenders. An overall improvement around the ground also took a lot of pressure off them.